Author: Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland. His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing. Email Ray Hanania at [email protected]. Follow RayHanania at Twitter

Service Restored to ComEd Customers Impacted by Polar Vortex

January 31, 2019January 31, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Service Restored to ComEd Customers Impacted by Polar Vortex ComEd restores service to 61,000 customers within first 24 hours ComEd crews and contractors restored electrical service this week to 64,000 customers affected by the polar vortex that plunged the temperature to negative 23 degrees, the second coldest in recorded history for the Chicago area. Power…

Chicago, Environment, General Topics, News, news release, Suburban Chicagoland, Weather

Orland Park mall shooting: When does safety become a form of racism?

January 31, 2019October 14, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Park mall shooting: When does safety become a form of racism? A teenager brought a gun into the Orland Park Mall and shot and killed a fellow student. But instead of talking about measures to protect innocent shoppers, some want to focus on racism. It’s time to consider metal detectors and restrictions on clothing…

Blogger, Commentary, Crime, General Topics, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Police, Racism, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Ald. Quinn Reminds Seniors to call Ward Office for Help with Snow Removal

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Ald. Quinn Reminds Seniors to call Ward Office for Help with Snow Removal Ald. Marty Quinn today reminded seniors in the 13th Ward to call his office for help with snow and ice removal. In light of this week’s extreme weather conditions and more snow predicted for tomorrow, Quinn wants people to be sure they have…

breaking news, Chicago, Government, News, Releases

Legislative leaders release report on sexual harassment

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Legislative leaders release report on sexual harassment Legislative leaders release statements detailing steps to be taken in response to allegations of sexual harassment. Statements released by Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, former legislator Barbara Flynn Curry, and Sara Wojcicki Jimenez, the chair and the minority spokesperson of the 100th General Assembly’s Illinois House Task Force on…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Releases, women

In Chicago mayoral election, other issues are important, too

January 29, 2019November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

In Chicago mayoral election, other issues are important, too With all the usual issues being skirted and glossed over in the Chicago Mayoral election, voters should take notice of the undercurrent of issues on the sidelines that have as much impact on their lives as the rest. Conspiracies are a part of Chicago politics, so…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, elections, Government, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Hockey News: Wolves Rally nearly unseats Cleveland Monsters

January 27, 2019January 27, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hockey News: Wolves Rally nearly unseats Cleveland Monsters The Chicago Wolves pitched a three-goal rally in the third period to force overtime, but fell to the Cleveland Monsters 4-3 in the extra session on Saturday night at Quicken Loans Arena. Defensemen Erik Brännström and Jack Bischoff and forward Tomas Hyka all scored goals for Chicago…

Chicago, General Topics, News, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Gariepy: Protect Taxpayers from Frivolous Petition Challenges

January 25, 2019January 25, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Gariepy: Protect Taxpayers from Frivolous Petition Challenges This week, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners dismissed a challenge filed against the nominating petitions of Peter Gariepy’s campaign for Chicago City Treasurer. The Gariepy campaign filed with more than 30,000 signatures and despite the time and resources expended, easily survived the challenge. “To call the challenge…

Chicago, elections, Government, News, Politics

Relief over Van Dyke sentencing

January 24, 2019November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Relief over Van Dyke sentencing The unfairness of the public’a assault of Police Officer Jason Van Dyke and the glorification of Laquan Mcdonald is sickening. It’s not something too many people want to hear, but McDonald’s defenders should be ashamed of themselves Originally Published in The Regional/Reporter Newspapers 1-23-19 By Ray Hanania How do you explain…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Opinion, Police, Politics, rayhanania

Mayor Getty and community mourn Trustee Greg Ramirez passing

January 24, 2019January 24, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Mayor Getty and community mourn Trustee Greg Ramirez passing Mayor Christopher Getty has Closed the Lyons Village Hall and suspended Garbage Service for Monday, January 28th in a Call for Mourning of Trustee Greg Ramirez “It is with deep regret that we share the news of the passing of Village of Lyons Trustee Gregory F….

breaking news, Government, News, Obituary, Suburban Chicagoland

Residents deserve answers from school officials, not a snub

January 24, 2019November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Residents deserve answers from school officials, not a snub Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan criticized the Lyons School District 103 board and its chairman Marge Hubacek for violating the Open Meetings Act when she denied parents the ability to speak at a meeting on October 22, 2019. Hubacek, seeking to silence criticism of the hiring…

Blogger, Commentary, Education, General Topics, Government, News, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois leaders denounce Trump’s campus harassment changes

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois leaders denounce Trump’s campus harassment changes Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, and leaders of the Illinois Democratic Party including Assistant Majority Leader Kelly Burke denounce President Donald Trump’s efforts to weaken Campus Harassment Rules for university and college students House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus are calling…

breaking news, Education, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics

Wolves set Feb. 2 for Brandon Pirri Bobblehead Night

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Wolves set Feb. 2 for Brandon Pirri Bobblehead Night Though the real Brandon Pirri has found a home with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, there are 2,500 Brandon Pirri bobbleheads, courtesy of CW50, that will find homes with the first 2,500 fans to enter Allstate Arena for the Chicago Wolves game against the Manitoba Moose…

News, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois Tollway prepared for changing winter conditions

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Tollway prepared for changing winter conditions Drivers urged to reduce speed, be alert for plows and emergency vehicles The Illinois Tollway has mobilized its full fleet of 196 snowplows in response to freezing rain and snow that is expected to slow rush hour travel as it continues falling overnight and into Wednesday, creating slippery…

General Topics, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Illinois Attorney General slams District 103 Open Meetings Act Violation

January 22, 2019January 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Attorney General slams District 103 Open Meetings Act Violation The Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan ruled that Lyons School District 103 violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act when it refused to permit parents to address the board’s decision to hire as a 6th grade teacher a man accused of attempted murder and seven counts…

breaking news, Editors Pick, Education, General Topics, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Village of Lyons

Should there be restrictions in wake of Orland Mall shooting

January 22, 2019January 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Should there be restrictions in wake of Orland Mall shooting By Ray Hanania The shooting of a teenager at the Orland Park Mall on Monday evening (6:45 PM) Jan. 21, 2019 raises questions as to whether or not the mall should impose restrictions to help prevent future gun-related violence. One person was killed and another…

Business, Chicago, Crime, News, Orland Park, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Pritzker announces more appointments

January 17, 2019January 17, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker announces more appointments Today, Thursday Jan. 17, 2019, Governor JB Pritzker made the following personnel announcements in his administration: Sol Flores will serve as Deputy Governor. Flores is the founding Executive Director of La Casa Norte, a non-profit organization established in 2002 that has served more than 30,000 youth and families confronting homelessness. Flores…

Government, News

Wolves claim first place showdown

January 17, 2019January 17, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Wolves claim first place showdown The Chicago Wolves took over first place in the Central Division on Wednesday night, topping the Grand Rapids Griffins 5-2 at Allstate Arena. Center Gage Quinney tallied two goals while forwards Daniel Carr and Tyler Wong and defenseman Dylan Coghlan also scored for Chicago (23-13-3-1). Netminder Oscar Dansk (14-6-2) made…

News, Sports

Milwaukee County Executive urges regional cooperation to help homeless

January 16, 2019January 16, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Milwaukee County Executive urges regional cooperation to help homeless Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin and other partners continue collaboration to connect individuals in encampments with permanent housing Following extensive regional cooperation to address the health, safety and housing needs of homeless individuals at outdoor encampments, Milwaukee County, the City of Milwaukee and…

breaking news, Editors Pick, General Topics, Government, News, Regional Midwest